To coincide with National Volunteer Week, The City of Greater Bendigo has acknowledged the dedication of its volunteers who work at the Bendigo Visitor Centre.
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The centre operates thanks to the hard work of 85 volunteers who assist visitors to the city.
Husband and wife Ross and Kay Galvin have been volunteers at the centre for around six years.
“My wife started as a volunteer first and she really enjoyed it, so we both found it was something interesting to do together,” Mr Galvin said.
“It was an opportunity to put something back into the Bendigo community.
“We know a bit about Bendigo because we have been here for 40 years.
“Between the group of volunteers we are always able to point people in the right direction, it’s a really interesting role because we see people from overseas, from everywhere.”
The work of the volunteers involves helping visitors to Bendigo find their way around and to also make suggestions about some of the activities they can find around the city.
“People come in and we will see what they’re interested in and then we will send them in the right direction,” Mr Galvin said.
Helen Webb will reach 23 years of service as a volunteer in November this year.
Ms Webb commenced as a volunteer after returning from an overseas trip and was looking for something to become involved in.
“I went into the visitor centre and spoke to them about becoming a volunteer and before I knew it I was working at the old visitor centre located in Kangaroo Flat,” Ms Webb said.
“It doesn't matter how long you have been at the centre, we learn something new everyday, every time you work someone will come in and ask something that you have never been asked before.
“You get to know a lot about what’s going on around the town.”
The Bendigo Visitor Centre is located on Pall Mall and is open every day of the year apart from Christmas Day.
A number of the centre’s volunteers were presented with badges at a ceremony in recognition of their service.
COGB tourism and major events unit manager Terry Karamaloudis said volunteers were critical to the high quality service that was provided to Bendigo’s visitors.
“The service provided by the Bendigo Visitor Centre volunteers is a testament to how much volunteers enjoy their various roles and the pleasure that comes from meeting new people and encouraging positive experiences across Bendigo,” Mr Karamaloudis said.
“Volunteer support is vital to ensure we offer the best possible service to visitors and support our tourism members and local businesses.”